The Seattle Stormwater Manual regulates stormwater runoff, containing regulatory requirements for health, safety, and welfare, with chapters and appendices providing guidance on stormwater management and design requirements for the City of Seattle.
Purpose of the Manual
The purpose of the Seattle Stormwater Manual is to provide guidance on stormwater management and design requirements for the City of Seattle. The manual is intended to help developers, designers, and property owners understand and comply with the City’s stormwater regulations. It contains information on the principles and practices of stormwater management, including the design and installation of stormwater control measures. The manual also provides guidance on the inspection and maintenance of stormwater facilities, as well as the monitoring and reporting of stormwater quality. Additionally, the manual includes information on the City’s stormwater permitting process and the requirements for obtaining a stormwater permit. Overall, the purpose of the manual is to protect the City’s water quality and prevent stormwater pollution by providing a comprehensive guide to stormwater management and design. The manual is an important resource for anyone involved in development or construction projects in the City of Seattle. It helps to ensure that stormwater is managed in a way that protects the environment and public health.
History of Updates
The Seattle Stormwater Manual has undergone updates since 2009, with revisions in 2016 and 2021, reflecting changes in stormwater management and regulations, including new rules and guidelines.
Effective Date
The 2021 Seattle Stormwater Code and Manual became effective on July 1, 2021, replacing the previous versions. This update is significant as it reflects the city’s efforts to improve stormwater management and reduce the impact of urban runoff on the environment. The effective date marks the beginning of a new era in stormwater regulation, with the city aiming to promote sustainable practices and reduce pollution. The manual’s effective date is crucial, as it sets the standard for stormwater management in the city, and all projects must comply with the new regulations. The city’s stormwater management program is designed to protect the environment, public health, and safety, and the effective date of the manual is a key component of this program. The manual provides guidance on stormwater management, and its effective date ensures that all stakeholders are aware of the new regulations and can plan accordingly. The city’s efforts to update the manual demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible stormwater management.
Regulatory Requirements
Seattle Stormwater Manual contains regulatory requirements for stormwater management, including design and construction standards, to protect public health and environment, with specific rules and guidelines for compliance and enforcement measures.
Design Requirements
The Seattle Stormwater Manual outlines specific design requirements for stormwater management systems, including ponds, swales, and rain gardens. These requirements are intended to ensure that stormwater runoff is managed in a way that protects public health and the environment. The manual provides guidance on the design of stormwater management systems, including the sizing and configuration of ponds and swales, and the selection of plants and other materials. The design requirements are based on the latest scientific research and industry best practices, and are intended to be flexible and adaptable to different site conditions and design scenarios. The manual also includes examples and case studies of successful stormwater management projects, to help designers and engineers apply the design requirements in practice. Overall, the design requirements in the Seattle Stormwater Manual are an important tool for ensuring that stormwater runoff is managed in a way that is safe, effective, and environmentally sustainable. The manual is regularly updated to reflect new research and technologies, and to ensure that the design requirements remain relevant and effective.
Acknowledgements
The 2021 Seattle Stormwater Manual is dedicated to Liz Anderson, a Professional Engineer who contributed to the City of Seattle for over 30 years with knowledge and expertise in drainage and wastewater systems always.
Contents of the Manual
The Seattle Stormwater Manual contains several volumes and appendices that provide guidance on stormwater management and design requirements for the City of Seattle. The manual includes chapters on introduction, regulatory requirements, design requirements, and maintenance. It also contains appendices that provide additional information on topics such as plant lists and design calculations. The manual is organized in a way that makes it easy to navigate and find specific information. The contents of the manual are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to a wide range of audiences, including developers, designers, and regulators. The manual also includes a table of contents and an index to help users quickly locate specific topics and information. Overall, the contents of the Seattle Stormwater Manual provide a comprehensive and detailed guide to stormwater management and design in the City of Seattle. The manual is an essential resource for anyone involved in stormwater management and design in the city. The manual’s contents are regularly updated to reflect changes in regulations and best practices. The updates ensure that the manual remains a relevant and useful resource for stormwater management and design. The manual’s contents are also available online, making it easy to access and use.
Related Documents
The Seattle Stormwater Manual is supported by several related documents that provide additional information and guidance on stormwater management and design. These documents include the Stormwater Code, Directors Rules, and other regulatory documents. The City of Seattle’s website also provides access to related documents, such as the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington and the Department of Ecology’s stormwater permitting documents. Additionally, the manual references other related documents, including the Seattle Municipal Code and the Washington State Department of Ecology’s stormwater management regulations. These related documents provide a framework for understanding the regulatory requirements and design standards for stormwater management in the City of Seattle. The related documents are regularly updated to reflect changes in regulations and best practices, ensuring that the information remains current and relevant. The Seattle Stormwater Manual is one part of a larger set of documents and resources that support stormwater management and design in the city. The related documents are an essential resource for developers, designers, and regulators working on stormwater management projects in Seattle. The documents are available online, making it easy to access and use them.